For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 1,826 students in Arcata, CA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Arcata, CA are Union Street Charter, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy and Arcata Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arcata, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Arcata have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Arcata, CA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Union Street Charter
Charter School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
470 Union St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Gr: K-5 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1761 11th St.
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Gr: 6-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 43:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #33.
Arcata Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2400 Baldwin St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Gr: K-5 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
Pacific Union Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3001 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Gr: K-8 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #55.
Coastal Grove Charter
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Gr: K-8 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
Fuente Nueva Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1730 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Gr: K-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #77.
Sunny Brae Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1430 Buttermilk Ln.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Gr: 6-8 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #88.
Laurel Tree Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4555 Valley West Blvd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Gr: K-12 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
Trillium Charter
Charter School
1464 Spear Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Gr: K-5 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Arcata, California 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-0134
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-0134
Gr: K-6 | 230 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Arcata, CA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Arcata, CA include Union Street Charter, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy and Arcata Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Arcata?
9 public elementary schools are located in Arcata.
What is the racial composition of students in Arcata?
Arcata public elementary schools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Arcata are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Arcata include: Coastal Grove Charter vs. Fuente Nueva Charter, Laurel Tree Charter vs. Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Fuente Nueva Charter vs. Coastal Grove Charter
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.